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Seller Closing Preparation Checklist

Execute the Purchase Agreement:
Carefully review and sign the contract, confirming that the price, contingencies, deadlines, and all agreed terms accurately reflect your understanding.
Resolve Inspection Matters:
Complete any agreed-upon repairs, provide necessary receipts or warranties, and ensure all negotiated credits or adjustments are properly documented.
Gather Essential Documentation:
Compile property records, survey details, mortgage payoff statements, and any manuals or warranties for items included in the sale.
Verify Title Status & Transfer Tax Obligations:
Work with your attorney to clear any title concerns and confirm all applicable transfer taxes or municipal fees due at closing.
Arrange Utilities & Final Property Services:
Schedule utility transfers or disconnections and complete final services such as cleaning, landscaping, or maintenance.
Organize Keys & Access Devices:
Prepare all house keys, garage remotes, alarm codes, and mailbox keys for delivery to the buyer.
Attend the Closing Meeting:
Review and sign the final documents, confirm the settlement statement, and complete the transaction with your attorney’s oversight to ensure a successful transfer.

Seller Real Estate Glossary

Appraisal: A licensed appraiser’s professional evaluation of a property’s fair market value, confirming that the agreed purchase price aligns with current market conditions.

As-Is: A sale condition in which the property is transferred in its present state, without the seller being required to make repairs or improvements.

Capital Gains Tax: A tax assessed on the profit earned from the sale of real estate, typically determined by the length of ownership and the seller’s tax status.

Closing Costs: The fees and expenses paid at the conclusion of a real estate transaction, which may include attorney fees, transfer taxes, title insurance, and escrow-related charges.

Blog

Stay informed with current real estate trends, transaction updates, and professional insights from the experienced team at Bradford Miller Law.

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Essential Advice from a Chicago Real Estate Closing Attorney for Home Sellers

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A Guide to Transfer Taxes in Chicagoland

When purchasing or selling property in Chicagoland, it’s essential to account for every expense that contributes to the final transaction cost including transfer taxes.

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Ways Sellers Can Minimize Closing Costs

Selling a home isn’t only about securing a strong offer - it’s also about preserving as much of your net profit as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions? We are here to answer them.

We have handled more than 11,000 real estate closings and earned hundreds of five-star reviews across Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Our depth of experience ensures reliable, informed representation from contract through closing.

Yes. While we are headquartered in Chicago, we serve clients throughout the greater Chicagoland area, offering convenient office locations and strong knowledge of local markets and regulations.

Prior to closing, we provide a clear, itemized estimate of your projected expenses, explain each charge in detail, and identify potential cost-saving opportunities so you can plan accurately.

Absolutely. During the attorney review period, we negotiate inspection-related repairs, credits, and contract revisions to protect your interests and secure fair terms.

While many sellers choose to attend, we can often arrange alternative options, such as mail-away signings, depending on your schedule and the specifics of the transaction.

We perform thorough title examinations to uncover liens or ownership concerns. If any issues arise, we work diligently to resolve them so the closing can proceed smoothly.

Timelines vary based on financing, inspection matters, and municipal requirements. Most standard transactions close within approximately 45 to 60 days, though circumstances may extend or shorten that timeframe.

We prioritize consistent communication, providing regular updates, prompt responses to questions, and clear explanations at every stage of the transaction.

Unlike high-volume firms that provide minimal oversight, we offer personalized service, strategic legal guidance, and dedicated advocacy focused solely on protecting your interests.

Yes. Our support continues beyond closing. We remain available to address post-closing questions and assist with any related matters that may arise.